On January 20, 2026, at approximately 0216 hours, law enforcement observed a vehicle in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota that weaved over lane lines several times, was driving with its turn signal on and the vehicle was speeding (radar locked 76 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone). Law enforcement got behind the vehicle and activated their emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle slowed and moved to the right but did not stop. Eventually the vehicle came a long rolling stop.
Law enforcement observed the driver, later identified as Brian Nelson, [DOB REDACTED] (Defendant herein) fumbling with the window switches while trying to roll down the passenger window. The Defendant also had blood shot and watery eyes. Law enforcement could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage and a burnt chemical odor coming from inside the vehicle. The Defendant admitted to consuming alcohol prior to driving. The Defendant was asked out of the vehicle and asked to perform the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test.
The Defendant exhibited 6 out 6 clues of impairment on the HGN test. The Defendant was not asked to do the Walk and Turn or One Leg Stand tests because of the cold temperature. The Defendant provided a weak preliminary breath test sample and the results were.171 BAC. The Defendant was arrested and transported to the Hennepin County Jail. A warrant for the Defendant’s blood and/or urine was secured. The Defendant was advised that refusing to provide a sample of blood or urine was a crime. The Defendant refused to provide a sample of both urine and blood.
Law enforcement also learned the Defendant’s driver’s license status was cancelled inimical to public safety. The Defendant has a prior Felony driving while impaired offense conviction in court file number 62-CR-22- 7154. The Defendant is in custody.
